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Tropical prints can bring one dangerously close to Jimmy Buffet-fan territory, but when worn in an unexpected way it can be the essence of chic.
Pop couture There’s more to fashion week than looking like a jellyfish ... by K at ie R ice Jo ne s
M
y clients often ask me to explain the purpose of fashion week’s couture runway shows. They question the high level of hoopla generated over outrageous looks that have little wearability in the real world. Even though my clients do have a good point (and are not couture shoppers), I feel there is still something to glean from following fashion week’s couture pageantry. Beyond the outlandish looks lies the substance of the season: its signature styles,
embellishments, cuts and silhouettes. When the week is observed with a conceptual eye rather than a concrete perspective, these signatures are instantly apparent. With this in mind, here are its most noteworthy spring trends and a real way to wear them. Trend: Goddess of the sea The sea inspired many runway looks, producing flowing, diaphanous and ethereal looks in colors of pale blue, turquoise and blue-green. To avoid looking like a
human jellyfish (see picture) rely on accessories like coral necklaces and shell handbags to make a more realistic fashion statement. Trend: Positive/negative Two-color, large-scale patterns and boxy cuts are a tough sell, yet the runway was black and white about its love for bold geometric patterns, broad vertical stripes and boxy silhouettes. Trend: Tropical prints and bold Donning tropical prints can be a slippery slope to a Jimmy Buffet concert. Yet when the print is worn in an unexpected way it appears fresh and chic. Trend: Modern Japan It turns out that modern Japan has room for a traditional kimono in its closet. Kimono tops, jackets and dresses tied up the runway and made for one of the only practical fashion statements this spring. Like most fashion seasons, spring’s runway was filled with looks from the sublime to the ridiculous. Rather than being con-
cerned with whether this or that is wearable (or affordable), it is better to ponder what a piece or collection aims to inspire. This method of observation can covert the most outlandish runway statement into a look that can be worn in a real way. Y Katie Rice Jones is a Marin-based style consultant. Check her out at KatieRiceJones.com or follow her @KatieRiceJones
The ‘modern Japan’ style turns out to be 19th century Japan style. But there’s a reason kimonos were worn for centuries—they’re practical and look quite nice.
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The Goddess of the Sea look is great if you’re living in a Jules Verne novel; not so practical if you’re walking down Grant Avenue in Novato. January 3 - January 9, 2014 Pacific Sun 13